Ventura Domestic Partnership Attorneys
California Domestic Partnership Laws
Provisions governing California domestic partnerships can be found in the California Family Code. A domestic partnership is established when two parties meet certain criteria as specified by these laws.
How Can I Form a Registered Domestic Partnership in California?
To form a registered domestic partnership, each individual needs to file a Declaration of Domestic Partnership and fulfill the following criteria:
- Both individuals are 18 years old (some exceptions are allowed)
- The individuals cannot be blood related
- Both individuals cannot be married or in another domestic partnership
- Both individuals must consent to the domestic partnership
- Both are members of the same sex or one or both is/are eligible for Social Security benefits and over *62 years old (this has been updated – see below)
*Governor Newsom signed a bill on July 30, 2019 redefining who is eligible for a registered domestic partnership, allowing opposite-sex couples under the age of 62 the option to form such a partnership. This new law was put into effect on January 1, 2020.
How Can I Terminate a Registered Domestic Partnership in California?
A domestic partnership can also be terminated under certain conditions. All these conditions are set forth in the California Family Code and must be met or the domestic partnership will be terminated through proceedings in California Superior Court.
California Domestic Partnerships & Same-Sex Marriages
The California Supreme Court issued a major decision on May 15, 2008 regarding same-sex marriages, which did not invalidate or change any of the California Family Code statutes related to registered domestic partners.
- Registered domestic partnerships will continue to be active on California’s domestic partnership registry.
- The California Secretary of State will continue to process domestic partnership-related filings as permitted by the domestic partnership law.
If you have questions about how the California Supreme Court’s decision may apply to your circumstances, contact us online.
How Domestic Partnership Separations Work
A domestic partnership separation is treated just like a typical divorce. However, regardless of the situation, you should find an experienced attorney who has helped people with their child support, child custody, visitation, and/or property division case.
Do Registered Domestic Partners Have the Same Legal Rights as Spouses in California?
California law states that Registered Domestic Partners have many of the same rights as spouses. These rights include:
- The ability to add a partner to state-administered health insurance benefits
- The right to inheritance, should one partner die
- The ability to raise a child born during the partnership
- The ability to adopt a child born before the partnership
- The right to own community property
- The ability to take their domestic partner’s last name or combine their last names
How Our Ventura Domestic Partnership Lawyers Can Serve You
At SANTO MEHAS, negotiated settlement is always our preferred method of choice. In the event this is not possible, we are also able to help litigate your domestic partnership in court.
We take pride in the way we communicate and serve our clients. With us, there will always be someone available at our office to answer your questions and address your concerns.
Fill out a contact us form online or give us a call at (805) 222-7818 for help with your domestic partnership case.
An Emphasis on Strong Family Values
Our firm places a strong emphasis on the importance of family values. The balance between maintaining these family values and generating a better future for you and your family is one we strive to achieve with each case. Our values consist of:
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Holistic Approach
We aim to resolve conflict so you and your family can move on peacefully. We approach all aspects of a case, including the emotional, financial, and mental components, and advocate with you throughout.
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Collaboration
Collaborative divorce can be a great option for spouses looking to share joint custody of their child/children and the court looks favorably on this decision. When possible, we strive to come to a resolution that will benefit both spouses.
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Children Come First
We respect the fact that our clients trust us with important life-decisions. We strive to be as understanding and empathetic as we can with you and treat you like we would treat a close family member.
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Compassionate Legal Services
We respect the fact that our clients trust us with important life-decisions. We strive to be as understanding and empathetic as we can with you and treat you like we would treat a close family member.
Our Satisfied Clients
Real Stories from Real People
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“I can't even begin to express my gratitude and appreciation for them.”
“I can't even begin to express my gratitude and appreciation for them.”- Roslyn F. -
“Donna guided me through at a comfortable pace on both a personal and professional level.”
- Phillip M.I was going through a difficult divorce, one which was stressful to both my wife and myself, so I needed to find solutions which would be fair and just and to relieve the tension. I was living in the Bay Area at the time and did much of the work on the phone, on my computer and at the Santo Mehas office in Ventura. I had heard of the reputation of the Santo Mehas law firm and trusted Donna as a person of integrity and sensitivity which is who I needed to get through this difficult process. I was not looking forward to working with the personal sensitive issues or the introspection necessary to get through this difficult process. Donna guided me through at a comfortable pace on both a personal and professional level. The case ended in a fair and respectable settlement for both parties and my ex and I are still friends years later. I am much happier for knowing that this is from a previous life and I have moved on. I still keep in contact with the family law lawyers at Santo Mehas as well as my ex.
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“Professional, Experienced, Real!”
- TiffanyDeciding to file for divorce was by far one the most difficult decisions I have had to make. Having no idea where to start, who to believe, where to go, Donna was recommended by a friend. Upon calling her office, I was able to make an appointment right away. When I met with her, she listened to me attentively, asked questions and she explained the process from beginning to end. She did not sugar coat anything, she clearly explained all the different scenarios that I was facing, specific to my divorce and child custody matters. Donna helped me during the most overwhelming and stressful time in my life. I am grateful for her support and guidance throughout the entire process, I could not have do ne it on my own.
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“She and her staff are professional with decades of experience.”
- JasonI recommend Donna Santo and her staff. She and her staff are professional with decades of experience. They understand the law and how family law cases are heard in the courts. I had an extremely complex custody case with dozens of health professionals, collateral contacts, and opinions floating around. There were so many accusations, crisis, and charges; and every one of them felt extremely important to me. My concerns were serious, and the innumerable quantity along with counter accusations overwhelmed the courts. Donna's office was able to sift through and make sense of things to help get things on track. Donna's office took the time to relate this to the courts in a logical digestible manner for the best possible outcome. It took time. I needed to trust. She knows her stuff, and is strong at the right times.
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“The divorce was finalized with agreeable terms. I am so glad to get this difficult time settled and behind us.”
- Rhonda A.My son was filing for divorce and he had child custody problems. The divorce was contentious and we hired Donna Santo because she is well known for handling these types of difficult situations. She was very easy to work with and was able to do most of the family law work via phone or e-mail. The divorce was finalized with agreeable terms. I am so glad to get this difficult time settled and behind us, and we have a great relationship with our grandchild.
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“Donna is amazing! Very supportive, quick with response and willing to fight for you.”
Donna is amazing! Very supportive, quick with response and willing to fight for you. She made my proceedings go so smoothly, provided all information and options I needed to decide what was best for me, and is there if I'm in need of any other information. Highly recommend!- Anonymous -
“The level of honesty and professionalism is beyond compare, not to mention compassion.”
“The level of honesty and professionalism is beyond compare, not to mention compassion. I feel that any attorney that can show compassion to their client as well as represent them is by far the best attorney.”- Erin H. -
“They are a tremendous blessing.”
Hiring Santo Mehas Professional Law Firm, specifically Michael Mehas has been a tremendous blessing. Divorce and child custody is a very stressful, unpleasant and unpredictable experience and Mr. Mehas has been our sword and shield throughout the process. Without the support and guidance of his expertise, I’m not sure where my family would be. We are forever grateful to Mr. Mehas for fighting for us and we are very happy with the outcome of our case.- Lupe V.
